Recent survey of back pain & anti-inflamatory medication

Of those that said they had stomach ulcers, one third continued to use anti-inflammatory drugs despite ulcers being a known possible side-effect.

At a recent Pain Society Symposium, Professor McLachlan of University of Sydney's Faculty of Pharmacy and Concord Hospital commented that  "The first thing [for treating low back pain] is that you should try and stay as active as possible and avoid bed rest."

"And if people are taking anti-inflamatories ... these are medicines which are very effective and generally very safe but for some people they are not the best choice."

The survey was conducted for the symposium, which is sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline, the makers of Panadol.